How to Apply — M.S.P.A.S.

Applications for the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences are submitted online through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants. CASPA opens each year in April for the class enrolling the following year in June. However, due to rolling admissions, it is to your advantage to apply earlier in the cycle.

If you are an international student, please see our international student information pages.

Application Process

1. Review the requirements for admission.
2. Submit your online application through CASPA as soon as possible. Applications are available beginning in April for the class enrolling the following year in June. The application deadline is March 1.
3. Submit all official transcripts to CASPA. Please include all colleges and universities attended. Transcripts must be from a regionally accredited college or regionally accredited university from within the United States.
4. Submit all letters of recommendation to CASPA.

Admissions Decisions

An interview is required for admission. Selection of interview candidates is based on several criteria including academic potential, health care experience, letters of recommendation and the personal statement. The interview process consists of a competency-based interview that includes an asynchronous assessment, as well as a synchronous virtual group experience or in-person experience. Because of the rolling admissions schedule, those who apply early in the admissions cycle are more likely to be interviewed than those who apply later.

The PA program participates in university partnerships with multiple institutions to guarantee interviews for candidates provided there are still interview slots available in the cycle. Criteria for guaranteed interviews include:

• Overall cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.4 or above
• Science GPA of 3.4 or above
• No more than two outstanding science prerequisite courses

Following completion of the asynchronous assessment and interactive group session, applicants are reviewed by the PA Admission Committee. When final decisions are approved, admission decisions, including “admit,” “alternate” or “release from consideration,” are sent via email throughout the application cycle. The timeframe for receiving the final decision notification can vary throughout the cycle. The decision from DMU will include additional information about the status and next steps.